BT researchers have been running field trials using the ITU's draft G.fast standard, and have already achieved download speeds of 800Mbps over short distances. It certainly goes well beyond BT Infinity…

Pragmatism has already forced Malcolm Turnbull to step away from the Coalition's non-interventionist telecoms dogma. But as a coalition of US carriers threatens a freeze on infrastructure if that country's government declares broadband, it's worth considering which approach will deliver the most desirable outcomes.

He may not like it, but communications minister Malcolm Turnbull is going to have to make some hard decisions – and accept some hard truths – to turn his alternative NBN policy into anything more than thick reports and empty soundbites.